Web enabled audiovisual medication dispensing

ABSTRACT

The disclosure relates generally to methods and devices for taking care of elderly, disabled, or other dependents. The devices and methods may be useful for dependents that are not willing or able to live in an environment which has a caretaker physically present. Example devices and methods can facilitate communication between a caretaker and a dependent. Devices and methods can optionally facilitate disbursing medications remotely.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. Utility application Ser. No.14/931,837 entitled “Web Enabled Audiovisual Medication Dispensing,”filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office on Nov. 3, 2015and now granted as U.S. Pat. No. 10,078,732 on Sep. 18, 2018, which inturn is a continuation of U.S. Utility application Ser. No. 13/495,607[entitled “Web Enabled Audiovisual Medication Dispensing,”] filed withthe United States Patent and Trademark Office on Jun. 13, 2012 and nowgranted as U.S. Pat. No. 9,202,011 on Dec. 1, 2015, and claims thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Application 61/498,010 (entitled “WebEnabled Audiovisual Medication Dispensing Apparatus,” filed Jun. 17,2011).

BACKGROUND

Medical care devices for delivery of medication to elderly, child, ordisabled dependents may allow the dependents to remain in their homeslonger, reduce costs of medical care, and provide a way for caretakersto ensure the delivery of the correct type and quantity of medicationsto their charges.

Communication with elderly or impaired persons may be more challengingthan with other persons due to a lower rate of adoption of electroniccommunication. Some reasons for this lower rate of adoption may beimpairments to vision, hearing, cognitive skills, or mobility. Thephysical effects of aging, such as arthritis and failing eyesight andmemory, can cause issues in the autonomous taking of medicines.

SUMMARY

In certain examples, an apparatus for communicating with a dependent maycomprise web link circuitry operable to communicate with a remotedevice, a medication cartridge assembly electrically coupled to the weblink circuitry, and a mass-sensing receptacle electrically coupled tothe web link circuitry.

In certain examples, a method of making an apparatus may includeelectrically coupling web link circuitry with a medication cartridgeassembly, wherein the web link circuitry is operable to communicate witha remote device and electrically coupling the web link circuitry with amass-sensing receptacle, wherein the mass-sensing receptacle is operableto detect if mass is present in the mass-sensing receptacle.

In certain examples, an apparatus may comprise web link circuitry, wherethe web link circuitry is operable to communicate with a smartphone of acaregiver, the web link circuitry is configured to allow only anauthorized user to establish communication with the dependent. Theapparatus may further comprise a medication cartridge assembly, whereinthe medication cartridge assembly is electrically coupled to the weblink circuitry. The apparatus may further comprise a mass-sensingreceptacle, wherein the mass-sensing receptacle is electrically coupledto the web link circuitry, and wherein the mass-sensing receptacle isconfigured to transmit the mass of medication in the mass-sensingreceptacle.

A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These as well as other objects and advantages of a web enabledaudiovisual medication dispensing system will be more completelyunderstood and appreciated by referring to the following more detaileddescription of the example embodiments of the disclosure in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings of which:

FIG. 1 is a front view illustration of an apparatus according to anexample embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a side view illustration of an apparatus according to anexample embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a method of contacting a caregiver according to an exampleembodiment.

FIG. 4 is a method of remotely dispensing medication according to anexample embodiment.

While the disclosure is amenable to various modifications andalternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of examplein the drawings and will be described in detail. It should beunderstood, however, that the intention is not to limit the disclosureto the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the disclosureis to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, reference is made to the accompanyingdrawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way ofillustration specific embodiments which may be practiced. Theseembodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilledin the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood thatother embodiments may be utilized and that structural, logical, andelectrical changes may be made without departing from the scope of thepresent invention. The following description of example embodiments is,therefore, not to be taken in a limited sense, and the scope of thepresent invention is defined by the appended claims.

In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patentdocuments, to include one or more than one, independent of any otherinstances or usages of “at least one” or “one or more.” In thisdocument, the term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive or, such that“A or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A and B,” unlessotherwise indicated. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and“in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respectiveterms “comprising” and “wherein.” Also, in the following claims, theterms “including” and “comprising” are open-ended, that is, a system,device, article, or process that includes elements in addition to thoselisted after such a term in a claim are still deemed to fall within thescope of that claim. Moreover, in the following claims, the terms“first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and arenot intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.

Devices and methods can facilitate communication with persons who mayhave trouble autonomously caring for themselves (“dependents”).Dependents may struggle with common communication technology, such ascellular phones, email, or text messaging. Certain example devices andmethods can facilitate the provision of medication to dependents.Certain example devices and methods may combine both the ability toconnect socially and the ability to provide remote medication managementinto a device that can be simple for a caregiver and the dependent touse. Certain embodiments of the devices and methods can allow acaretaker and dependent to communicate through a pre-configured VOIP(voice-over-internet-protocol software) connection, either via audioalone or via video call. Certain example devices and methods canfacilitate the remote dispensing of medication by a caretaker. Certainembodiments of the device and its method of use can help ensure that themedication has been consumed.

Certain embodiments of the disclosure may be designed for use withelderly dependents. Elderly dependents often struggle with newtechnology, and the simplification of using voice-over-internet-protocolsoftware (VOIP) technology may remove these barriers. Elderly dependentsmay need a caretaker due to deteriorating health, yet be unable orunwilling to move to an assisted living facility or hire a full-timecaretaker. By providing access to a remote caretaker, devices or methodsmay help elderly dependents safely stay in their own homes longer.

Embodiments of the disclosure may be useful to intellectually disableddependents. Intellectually disabled dependents similarly may strugglewith modern communication technology, and simplification of technology,accomplished for example through the use of VOIP technology, may allowthose dependents to more easily communicate with a remote caretaker.

Additionally, embodiments of the disclosure may be useful for childdependents. Children may lack the skills and maturity to communicatewith a caretaker using modern communication technology, andsimplification of technology accomplished, for example, through the useof VOIP technology, may allow those dependents to more easilycommunicate with a remote caretaker.

Many dependents have difficulty managing their own medicationconsumption. Even when medications are organized or prepackaged for thedependent, the dependent can forget to take the medication at theappropriate time. Certain embodiments of the disclosure may helpdependent persons remember to take their medications.

FIG. 1 is a front view illustration of an apparatus 100 according to anexample embodiment. The apparatus 100 may include a camera 104, a videodisplay 106, a speaker 108, a one-touch call button 110, a microphone112, and an optional keypad 120, arranged on or at least partially in, acommunication housing 102. The camera 104, video display 106, speaker108, one-touch call button 110, and microphone 112 may be arranged on,or at least partially in, the communication housing 102 such that adependent can easily use the apparatus 100 to communicate with acaretaker. In certain examples, the medication dispensing apparatus 100may include a medication management assembly 114. The medicationmanagement assembly 114 may include a medication door 116 andmass-sensing receptacle 118. The apparatus may be controlled by acomputer control mechanism (not shown). In certain examples the computercontrol mechanism is a microcontroller, a motherboard, a processor, orother component capable of controlling electrically coupled componentsof the apparatus.

Certain examples may comprise a communication housing 102. Thecommunication housing 102 may provide structure and protection for othercomponents (e.g. camera 104, video display 106, speaker 108, one-touchcall button 110, microphone 112, keypad 120, etc.). The communicationhousing 102 may be made of a material, including but not limited topolymer (for example, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene and the like) ormetal. The communication housing 102 may include a base (not shown). Thebase may rest on a countertop or other substantially horizontal surface.The communication housing 102 may be a solid structure with a hollowcenter portion. Components may be arranged on, or at least partially in,the communication housing 102 so as to be accessible to a dependent orcaretaker. In certain examples, portions of components may protrudethrough openings in the solid walls of the communication housing 102 tomake them accessible to a dependent or caretaker.

Certain embodiments may comprise web link circuitry (not shown). Incertain examples, the camera 104, video display 106, speaker 108,one-touch call button 110, microphone 112, audio amplifier (not shown),medication door 116, and mass-sensing receptacle 118 may be electricallycoupled or otherwise interconnected via the web link circuitry. Incertain examples, the web link circuitry may be operable to communicatewith a remote device (e.g. smartphone, computer, and the like). The weblink circuitry may be coupled to a caregiver's phone or computer through3G, 4G, wireless, wired, telephonic, or other means of electrical signaltransmission. The web link circuitry may be contained, at leastpartially, in the communication housing 102.

In certain examples, the web link circuitry may be programmed using thekeypad 120. In certain embodiments, the web link circuitry may becontained at least partially within the communication housing 102. Weblink circuitry may be configured so as to permit communication between acaretaker and a dependent. In certain examples, web link circuitry maybe configured to transmit data from the camera 104 and microphone 112 toa caretaker's smartphone, and receive data from the caretaker'ssmartphone and transmit the data from the smartphone to the videodisplay 106, speaker 108, or medication management assembly 114. Incertain examples, web link circuitry may be configured to allow onlyauthorized users to establish communication using the apparatus 100.

Camera 104 is operable to capture video of a dependent. Camera 104 maybe coupled to web link circuitry (not shown) such that the web linkcircuitry may transmit video from the camera 104 to a caretaker. Incertain examples, camera 104 is a wide-angle web camera. In certainexamples, the camera 104 may be disposed on or at least partially in,the communication housing 102. The camera 104 may be coupled to web linkcircuitry so as to allow a remote caretaker to view a dependent. Anexample camera 104 may be turned on or off using web link circuitry.Video data from the camera 104 may be sent to the caretaker, forexample, via the web link circuitry. In some embodiments, the camera 104may be arranged on, or at least partially in, the communication housing102 such that the camera 104 collects image data corresponding to imagesof the dependent. In certain examples, the camera lens of camera 104 mayface approximately horizontally relative to a surface on which theapparatus 100 set. In other examples, the camera lens of camera 104 mayface a direction that is angled up or down relative to a plane of asurface on which the apparatus 100 sets. The camera 104 may beelectrically coupled to the web link circuitry. The camera 104 may beconfigured to capture images and transmit the images to the web linkcircuitry. The camera 104 may be configured to receive images from theweb link circuitry 102 and transmit the images to a caregiver.

An example apparatus may include a video display 106. The video display106 is operable to display video of a caretaker to a dependent. Thevideo display 106 may be sufficiently big such that dependents with pooreyesight can see the caretaker on the screen without straining theireyes. The video display 106 may be arranged on, or at least partiallyin, the communication housing 102. The video display 106 may beelectrically coupled to the web link circuitry. In certain examples, ifa call is initiated between a caretaker and a dependent, the videodisplay 106 may show an image from a camera near a caretaker. Forexample, where a caretaker initiates a call from a smartphone with avideo camera, the caretaker's smartphone may send the image of thecaretaker to the dependent. The image of the caretaker may be senteither directly, such as through the web link circuitry, or through anintermediate. In certain examples, the video display 106 may also beused to show other images at the discretion of the caretaker, such asimages of medications or reminders. The web link circuitry may beconfigured to transmit images to the video display 106, and the videodisplay 106 may be configured to display the images received from theweb link circuitry.

An example apparatus 100 may comprise at least one speaker 108. Thespeaker 108, or speakers, may be arranged on or at least partially inthe communication housing 102, such that audio from the caretaker may bebroadcast to the dependent. The speaker 108 may be coupled to an audioamplifier that is operable to amplify audio signals from the caretaker.Audio data from a caretaker may be transmitted from the caretaker'sphone or computer to the web link circuitry, optionally through theaudio amplifier, to the speaker 108. Optionally, the volume of the audiotransmitted by the speaker 108 may be adjusted using the keypad 120.Optionally, the volume of the audio transmitted by speaker 108 may beadjusted using a volume knob, such as a rotary dial (not shown).

An example apparatus may include a one-touch call button 110. Theone-touch call button 110 may allow a dependent to easily initiatecontact with another person, such as a caretaker. The one-touch callbutton 110 may be arranged, for example, on, or at least partially in,the communication housing 102. In an example device, by pressing theone-touch call button 110 a call may be initiated to a caretaker's phoneor emergency services. In certain examples, the entity that is calledwhen the one-touch call button 110 is depressed is programmable throughthe keypad 120. The one-touch call button 110 may be electricallycoupled to the web link circuitry. The web link circuitry may beconfigured to make a phone call to a caregiver (e.g. a call is made to acaregiver's smartphone) at or around the time the one-touch call button110 is pressed.

An example apparatus 100 may comprise a microphone 112. In certainexamples, the microphone 112 may be electrically coupled to the web linkcircuity. The microphone 112 may be arranged on, or at least partiallyin, the communication housing 102, such that audio from the dependentmay be captured by the microphone 112 and transmitted to the caretakerthrough web link circuitry. In certain examples, the microphone 112 maybe configured such that when a computer control mechanism activates theapparatus 100 and a call is initiated between the caretaker anddependent, the microphone 112 transmits audio signals to a remote devicethrough the web link circuitry. The microphone 112 may be configured tocapture audio input and transmit the input to the web link circuitry.The web link circuitry may be configured to receive audio input from themicrophone 112 and transmit the audio input to a caregiver.

An example apparatus may comprise a keypad 120. The keypad 120 may be atouch-screen, an array of buttons, or any other type of keypad operableto electrically communicate with components of the apparatus. In certainexamples, the keypad 120 may be operable to allow a user to program whois called when the one-touch call 110 button is pressed. In certainexamples, the keypad 120 may be operable to allow a dependent to sendtext messages, and other message types, to a caretaker. In certainexamples, the keypad 120 may be operable to allow a dependent to adjustthe volume of audio produced by speaker 108. In certain examples thekeypad 120 may facilitate the programming of 3G, 4G, and web accessconnectivity of the apparatus 100.

An example device may optionally comprise a medication managementassembly 114. In certain examples, the medication management assembly114 may include its own housing, such as is shown in FIG. 1. In otherexamples, the components of the medication management assembly 114 (e.g.medication door 116, mass-sensing receptacle 118, medication chute 204,or medication cartridge assembly 202) may be on, or at least partiallyin, the communication housing 102. Optionally, a communication housing102 and a medication management assembly 114 may be designed to coupleor interlock with each other. An example of a medication managementassembly 114 comprises medication cartridge assembly 202, a medicationchute 204, and a medication door 116. An example medication managementassembly may optionally comprise a mass-sensing receptacle 118.

The medication door 116 may optionally be arranged on the surface of, orat least partially in, the medication management assembly 114, such thatmedication will travel down the medication chute 204 and through themedication door 116. The medication door 116 may be either powered toopen when the medication cartridge assembly 202 is activated by the weblink circuitry, or it may be passive and open with the force of fallingmedication. The medication door 116 may be disposed between a medicationchute 204 and a mass-sensing receptacle 118.

An example apparatus 100 may include an optional mass-sensing receptacle118. In certain examples, the mass-sensing receptacle 118 may bearranged underneath the medication door 116. In certain examples themass-sensing receptacle 118 may be disposed at the bottom of themedication chute 204, such that solid form medication falls through themedication door 116 and into the mass-sensing receptacle 118. Themass-sensing receptacle 118 may be electrically coupled to the web linkcircuitry so that a caregiver can determine whether the medicationmanagement assembly 114 has dispensed the appropriate quantity ofmedication. The mass-sensing receptacle 118 may be configured totransmit data to web link circuitry and the web link circuitry maytransmit the data such that a caregiver can remotely determine how muchmass remains in the mass-sensing receptacle 118. The mass-sensingreceptacle 118 may be configured to transmit data corresponding to themass of objects (e.g. medication) in the mass-sensing receptacle 118.The data corresponding to the mass of objects in the mass-sensingreceptacle 118 may be transmitted to a caregiver via web link circuitry.In certain examples, the mass-sensing receptacle 118 is shaped like acup, bowl, or dish.

A medication cartridge assembly 202 (see FIG. 2) is operable to releasemedication for consumption by a dependent. The medication cartridgeassembly 202 may be any medication cartridge assembly capable of remoteactivation. In certain examples, the medication cartridge assembly 202may be remotely activated by a caretaker. In certain examples, themedication cartridge assembly 202 may be electrically coupled to the weblink circuitry. In certain examples, the medication cartridge assembly202 may be activated using web link circuitry.

An optional medication chute 204 may be arranged on, or at leastpartially in, the medication management assembly 114, such thatmedications that are released by the medication cartridge assembly 202travels down the medication chute 204 towards the medication door 116.

Certain examples may facilitate the managing of a dependent'smedication. In certain examples, a video phone may optionally beelectrically or physically coupled to a medication management assembly114. In some embodiments, the medication management assembly 114 may beelectrically connected to web link circuitry. In certain examples, themedication management assembly 114 can disburse medication, eitherautomatically, on demand by a dependent, or remotely by, for example, acaretaker.

FIG. 2 is a side-view illustration of an apparatus 200 according to anexample embodiment. The apparatus 200 of FIG. 2 may be substantiallysimilar to the apparatus 100 illustrated in FIG. 1. The apparatus 200may include components such as the camera 104, video display 106,speaker 108, one-touch call button 110, microphone 112, and optionalkeypad 120 arranged on or at least partially in, communication housing102. The apparatus 200 components may be arranged on, or at leastpartially in, the communication housing 102 such that a dependent caneasily use apparatus 200 to communicate with a caretaker. In certainexamples, the apparatus 200 may further include a medication managementassembly 114. The medication management assembly 114 may includecomponents such as the medication door 116, mass-sensing receptacle 118,medication cartridge assembly 202, and medication chute 204. Thecomponents of the apparatus 200 may be substantially similar to thosecomponents described in FIG. 1.

A caretaker's phone number may be either a traditional phone linenumber, or it may be a VOIP number or IP address, or it may be any otheraddress that permits communication. For example, entering thecaregiver's phone number into the keypad 120 may result in establishinga connection to a smart phone, land-line phone, a laptop computer, adesktop computer, or a tablet.

Some examples of the apparatus 200 may include a medallion. Themedallion may be used to facilitate communication. For example themedallion may be used to create a connection between a dependent and acaretaker or to emergency services. In certain embodiments, a medallionmay allow a dependent to quickly request assistance. The request forassistance may transmit a message to a caretaker or emergency serviceswithout requiring a dependent to have close access to a phone or accessto the apparatus. In some embodiments, a medallion may be carried withthe dependent, such as on a necklace. The medallion may be electricallycoupled to the web link circuitry. In certain examples, the medallionmay be configured to send an emergency signal directly to a caretaker oremergency services or other remote parties.

Embodiments of the invention may incorporate software which is passwordprotected, such that a caretaker's authorization must be establishedbefore audio or visual communication or medication management systemcontrol is established. Authorized users of the device may includecaretakers, dependents, or other entities, such as medicalprofessionals, who possess the valid authentication key for the device.

FIG. 3 depicts a method 300 of establishing and terminatingcommunication between a caretaker and dependent, according to an exampleembodiment. The method may include supplying power to a computer controlmechanism 302. The power to the computer control mechanism may becontinuous and substantially uninterrupted so as to allow a dependent toutilize the corresponding apparatus at virtually any time. The computercontrol mechanism may be a microcontroller, processor, motherboard, orany other component capable of controlling electrical signals in exampleembodiments. A call may be initiated between a caretaker and a dependent304. In some examples, the call may be initiated some time after thedependent presses the one-touch call button 110 or a button on amedallion. In other examples, the call may be initiated some time afterthe caretaker dials the phone number of the dependent or optionally, thecomputer control mechanism may establish a connection to web linkcircuitry. The computer control mechanism or web link circuitry waitsfor a valid personal identification number (PIN), password, or othervalid authentication key 306. The PIN, password, or other validauthentication key may be programmed into the device using the keypad120. In certain examples if no PIN is detected or if an invalid PIN isdetected the computer control mechanism or web link circuitry may waitfor a valid PIN. In certain examples, if an invalid PIN, password, orother authentication key is detected the computer control mechanism maydisconnect from the web link circuitry or the computer control mechanismmay provide another opportunity to enter a valid PIN, password, orauthentication key. If a valid authentication key is detected then poweris supplied to the camera 104, video display 106, microphone 112,optionally to the optional audio amplifier, and optionally to thespeaker 108 (if the speaker requires power) 308. At this point thedependent has established a telephonic connection. The call is endedafter the reason for the call is resolved or remains unresolved 310. Thecall may be ended by the dependent, such as by pressing the one-touchcall button 110 or powering off the apparatus. Alternatively, the callmay be ended by the entity who received the call, such as a caretaker.Power to the camera 104, the audio amplifier, video display 106,microphone 112, and the speaker 108 is turned off 312.

FIG. 4 illustrates a method 400 of remotely dispensing medicationaccording to an example embodiment. In certain examples, the medicationmay be dispensed remotely through a remote caregiver. Power may besupplied to a computer control mechanism 402. The power to the computercontrol mechanism may be continuous and substantially uninterrupted soas to allow a dependent to utilize the apparatus at virtually any time.The computer control mechanism may be a microcontroller, processor,motherboard, or any other component capable of controlling electricalsignals in example embodiments. A call may be initiated from a caregiver404. The caregiver may initiate the phone call using a web application,by dialing the phone number of the dependent, or by other means ofcommunicating with an example apparatus. Optionally, the computercontrol mechanism may establish a connection to web link circuitry. Atthis point, in order to gain access to the apparatus the caregiver maybe required to supply a sufficient PIN, password, or otherauthentication key. The computer control mechanism or web link circuitrymay detect whether a valid PIN, password, or authentication key ispresented 406. The PIN, password, or other valid authentication key maybe programmed into the device using the keypad 120. In certain examplesif no PIN is detected or if an invalid PIN is detected the computercontrol mechanism or web link circuitry may wait for a validauthentication key. In certain examples, if an invalid PIN, password, orother authentication key is detected the computer control mechanism maydisconnect from the web link circuitry or the computer control mechanismmay provide another opportunity to enter a valid PIN, password, orauthentication key. If a valid authentication key is detected then poweris supplied to the camera 104, video display 106, microphone 112,optionally to the optional audio amplifier, and optionally to thespeaker 108 (if the speaker requires power) 408. In certain examples,the caregiver may control at least one medication cartridge assemblycommand switch. A caregiver may press the at least one medicationmanagement assembly command switch 410. A medication management assemblycommand switch may command a medication assembly to power on, power off,or dispense medication. The medication management assembly commandswitch may be, for example, a number on a phone dial pad which has beenpre-programmed to initiate medication release. Power is supplied 412 tothe medication cartridge assembly 202. Medication may be released 414.The medication may be released from a medication cartridge assembly 202into a medication chute 204. The medication chute 204 may direct themedication through a medication door 116 and into a mass-sensingreceptacle 118. The mass-sensing receptacle 118 may detect the amount ofmass present 416 in the mass-sensing receptacle 118. The mass-sensingreceptacle 118 may indicate, through the web link circuitry, whethermass is still present 418 in the mass-sensing receptacle 118. When thereis no longer mass present in the mass-sensing receptacle 118 and thedependent has ingested the medication, the medication cartridge assembly202 is powered off 420. The call may be ended 422. The audiovisualcomponents, such as the camera 104, audio amplifier, microphone 112,speaker 108, and video display 106 may be turned off 424.

The preceding description has been presented only to illustrate anddescribe example embodiments of the disclosure. It is not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the disclosure to any precise form disclosed.Many modifications, combinations and variations are possible in light ofthe above teachings. Although specific examples have been illustratedand described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skillin the art that any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purposecould be substituted for the specific examples shown. This applicationis intended to cover adaptations or variations of the present subjectmatter. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure be defined by theattached claims and their legal equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for audiovisual communicationbetween a caregiver and a dependent while dispensing a medication,comprising: web link circuitry configured to communicate with a remotecaregiver device; a medication cartridge assembly electrically coupledto the web link circuitry; a mass-sensing receptacle electricallycoupled to the web link circuitry and configured to transmit the mass ofany medication in the mass-sensing receptacle to the web link circuitry;a camera electrically coupled to said web link circuitry and configuredto capture images of said dependent and transmit said images to said weblink circuitry, and said web link circuitry configured to receive saidimages from said camera and transmit said images to said caregiver; anda microphone electrically coupled to the web link circuitry andconfigured to capture audio input and transmit the audio input to theweb link circuitry, and the web link circuitry configured to receive theaudio input and transmit the audio input to a caregiver; said camera andmicrophone powered on responsive to said communication between said weblink circuitry and said remote caregiver device to establish saidaudiovisual communication between said caregiver and said dependent;said medication cartridge assembly powered on during said audiovisualcommunication between said caregiver and said dependent and configuredto dispense medication responsive thereto; and said medication cartridgeassembly powered off during said audiovisual communication between saidcaregiver and said dependent responsive to said mass-sensing receptacledetecting a presence of mass in said mass-sensing receptacle followed byan absence of mass in said mass-sensing receptacle.
 2. The apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising a housing adapted to accommodate the weblink circuitry.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said medicationcartridge assembly is powered on responsive to a medication managementassembly command switch being pressed during said audiovisualcommunication between said caregiver and said dependent.
 4. Theapparatus of claim 1, further comprising a video display, the videodisplay electrically coupled to the web link circuitry, the web linkcircuitry configured to transmit images to the video display, and thevideo display configured to display images received from the web linkcircuitry.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said mass-sensingreceptacle transmits an amount of mass in said mass-sensing receptacleto said caregiver.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising aone-touch call button, the one-touch call button electrically coupled tothe web link circuitry, and the web link circuitry configured to make aphone call to a caregiver at or around the time the one-touch callbutton is pressed.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the web linkcircuitry is configured to allow only authorized users to establishcommunication with the dependent.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising a medication chute, the medication chute disposed such thatobjects dispensed by the medication cartridge assembly travel throughthe medication chute.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising amedication door, the medication door disposed between the medicationchute and the mass-sensing receptacle.
 10. A method of remoteaudiovisual provision of medication to a dependent, the methodcomprising the steps of: electrically coupling a camera configured tocapture images of said dependent and a microphone configured to captureaudio input from said dependent with a caregiver device remote from saiddependent to operably audiovisually communicate with said remotecaregiver device; powering on said camera and microphone to establishsaid audiovisual communication between said caregiver and saiddependent; activating a medication cartridge assembly subsequent to saidpowering on step and during said audiovisual communication between saidcaregiver and said dependent and thereby causing said medicationcartridge assembly to dispense medication; detecting a presence of saidmedication in a mass-sensing receptacle subsequent to said activatingstep; determining an absence of said medication in said mass-sensingreceptacle subsequent to said detecting step; deactivating saidmedication cartridge assembly during said audiovisual communicationbetween said caregiver and said dependent and subsequent to saiddetermining step; and powering off said camera and microphone todisconnect said audiovisual communication between said caregiver andsaid dependent subsequent to said deactivating step.
 11. The method ofclaim 10, wherein said step of electrically coupling a camera and amicrophone with a caregiver device remote from said dependent furthercomprises electrically coupling web link circuitry to said camera, saidmicrophone, and said remote caregiver device.
 12. The method of claim11, further comprising the step of electrically coupling said web linkcircuitry with a mass-sensing medication receptacle, said mass-sensingmedication receptacle operable to detect if a mass is present in saidmass-sensing medication receptacle and to transmit said mass present insaid mass-sensing medication receptacle to said web link circuitry. 13.The method of claim 11, further comprising the steps of: electricallycoupling a video display to the web link circuitry, transmitting imagesfrom said web link circuitry to the video display, and displaying theimages received from the web link circuitry on the video display. 14.The method of claim 11, wherein said step of powering on said camera andmicrophone to establish said audiovisual communication between saidcaregiver and said dependent is responsive to a communication betweensaid web link circuitry and said remote caregiver device.
 15. The methodof claim 14, further comprising the steps of: electrically coupling aone-touch call button to the web link circuitry, pressing said one-touchcall button; and establishing said audiovisual communication betweensaid caregiver and said dependent through the web link circuitryresponsive to said pressing step.
 16. The method of claim 11, whereinthe web link circuitry is configured to allow only authorized users toestablish communication with the apparatus.
 17. The method of claim 11,further comprising the step of transmitting an amount of mass in saidmass-sensing receptacle to said caregiver.
 18. The method of claim 10,wherein said medication cartridge assembly is activated responsive to amedication management assembly command switch being pressed during saidaudiovisual communication between said caregiver and said dependent.